Ifill ousts battling Cambridge after five-goal thriller

After a frantic and engrossing replay here last night there did not deserve to be a loser. But the Third Division play-off contenders Cambridge, despite a valiant effort and twice taking the lead, finally succumbed to Millwall, who scored the last of five second-half goals to set up a fourth-round tie at Southampton.

A trip to St Mary's on Saturday week was an enticing prospect for both clubs, not least for financial reasons, though a half-full New Den told its own tale of how Londoners viewed the visit of Cambridge.

It was no surprise that the home manager Mark McGhee, with an injury-ravaged squad, left Millwall unchanged from the side that routed Watford 4-0 on Saturday. Cambridge, weathered off then and without a game since the 1-1 draw at the Abbey Stadium that set up this replay, brought in Fred Murray and Terry Fleming, back after suspension.

The importance of the tie for both clubs was reflected in a nervy opening. It was not until the 25th minute that the first clear chance arrived, Dennis Wise's cross being headed over by Kevin Braniff after a flap from the United goalkeeper Shaun Marshall. Millwall's striker was equally wayward in the 37th minute, directing a clear header over.

Cambridge were clearly not overawed by the 43 places that separate the sides in the Nationwide League, although the only real opening they created in the first half came with Shane Tudor's break and shot, which he dragged wide.

At the same time they kept a Millwall side who had not lost at home since early October largely at bay, though on half-time Steve Claridge's header from Paul Ifill's fine cross was tipped over by Marshall.

But after the interval it was mainly luck that helped United withstand an all-action opening 10 minutes from Millwall. Twice they hit the post, first when Steven Reid's cross beat all except the upright, then when Braniff, having had his first attempt well saved, saw the follow-up also rebound to safety.

Then the match really exploded into life. Cambridge took the lead when Paul Wanless headed a high free-kick back across goal where he found Dave Kitson. His first attempt hit the bar but he leapt highest to score the rebound.

Millwall responded immediately when Claridge was brought down in the box by Stev Angus and picked himself up to equalise against his former club from the spot. There was no respite, however, as Kitson set up Tom Youngs, who rounded Tony Warner to give Cambridge the lead again.

Millwall's response was emphatic and they deservedly equalised when Paul Robinson powered home a header from the substitute Peter Sweeney's corner for his first senior goal in only his second appearance.

But Ifill headed in Sweeney's cross with 12 minutes left and cruelly that was it for United.